A thrilling game at Suplizio Field
The Colorado Mesa University baseball team had a successful home opener on Wednesday, defeating the Adams State Grizzlies 9-6 at Suplizio Field. The Mavericks improved their record to 5-1, while the Grizzlies fell to 2-4.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams scoring runs in the first inning. The Mavericks took a 3-1 lead in the second inning, thanks to a two-run homer by senior catcher Spencer Bramwell. The Grizzlies responded with three runs in the third inning, taking advantage of two errors by the Mavericks.
The Mavericks regained the lead in the fourth inning, scoring four runs on four hits, including a two-run double by junior outfielder Hayden McGeary. The Grizzlies cut the deficit to one run in the fifth inning, but the Mavericks added an insurance run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by sophomore infielder Jordan Stubbings.
The Grizzlies threatened to tie the game in the ninth inning, loading the bases with one out. However, junior pitcher Will Dixon struck out the next two batters to seal the win for the Mavericks. Dixon earned his first save of the season, while senior pitcher Trevin Reynolds picked up his second win.
A strong start for the Mavericks
The Mavericks have been off to a strong start this season, winning five of their first six games. They opened the season with a four-game sweep of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas, outscoring them 38-14. They then split a two-game series with the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals, losing the first game 7-6 and winning the second game 10-4.
The Mavericks have been led by their potent offense, which has averaged 9.5 runs per game. They have also hit 12 home runs, with Bramwell and Stubbings each hitting three. Bramwell leads the team with a .500 batting average, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs scored. Stubbings is second with a .429 batting average, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored.
The Mavericks have also received solid pitching from their starters and relievers. They have posted a 3.83 ERA, with Reynolds and junior pitcher Garrett Hammer each recording two wins. Reynolds has a 2.25 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings, while Hammer has a 3.00 ERA and 11 strikeouts in nine innings. Dixon has been the team’s closer, with two saves and a 1.80 ERA.
A challenging schedule ahead
The Mavericks will face a challenging schedule in the upcoming weeks, as they will play several ranked opponents in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and the South Central Region. They will host the No. 17 Colorado School of Mines Orediggers this weekend, followed by the No. 25 Colorado State University-Pueblo ThunderWolves next weekend. They will also travel to face the No. 8 Angelo State Rams and the No. 9 West Texas A&M Buffaloes later this month.
The Mavericks are aiming to repeat their success from last season, when they won the RMAC regular season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship. They finished the season with a 53-12 record, the most wins in program history. They also had six players named to the All-RMAC teams, and four players drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
The Mavericks are coached by Chris Hanks, who is in his 23rd season at the helm. Hanks is the winningest coach in CMU history, with a record of 879-355. He has led the Mavericks to 19 RMAC titles, 15 NCAA regional appearances, and two NCAA national runner-up finishes.
